In “Law & Order,” Detective John Munch was much adored. He adorned our television screens for decades and was cherished by people throughout the nation.
Now that the news of his death has spread throughout the globe, his followers are grieving this tragic loss. Continue reading to discover more about Belzer’s last days…
He passed away at home early this morning in the south of France, with his family around him, according to writer Bill Scheft, an old friend of the late actor.
Scheft told the journalists, he had several health concerns, and his last words were, ‘F— you, motherf—er.'”
After his death, longtime colleagues and Hollywood heavyweights have come out to convey their condolences and sorrow over this loss. Former Saturday Night Live cast member Laraine Newman tweeted, “I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing. I loved this guy so much. He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL. We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest.”
I'm so sad to hear of Richard Belzer's passing. I loved this guy so much. He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL. We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest. pic.twitter.com/u23co0JPA2
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) February 19, 2023
In 1983, Belzer was diagnosed with testicular cancer. His diagnosis and subsequent treatment inspired the 1997 HBO comedy show “Another Lone Nut.”
An incident happened on Belzer’s talk show in 1985. The professional wrestler Hulk Hogan choked Belzer, causing him to pass out and smack his head on the studio floor. Belzer filed a lawsuit against the wrestler, but they settled out of court.
In 1993, he made his debut as Munch on the NBC series “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and he subsequently repeated the role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” From 1999 and 2013, he featured in approximately 330 episodes of “SVU” and also made guest appearances in 2014 and 2016.
Belzer was also a self-proclaimed novelist who wrote a book on conspiracy theories, his area of expertise. In 2016, he published the book Hit List: An In-Depth Investigation into the Mysterious Deaths of Witnesses to the JFK Assassination.
Highs and Lows… After one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I wake up to the news I lost my friend today. Belz is gone.. Damn it! But remember this..’When you ARE having real fun and are Truly Happy. ENJOY it to the fullest! Cause Pain is inevitably coming.’ I’ll miss you… https://t.co/WmaHvj629b pic.twitter.com/Fca9qiaDLV
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 19, 2023
The comedian and actor also authored “UFOS, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to Be Crazy to Believe” and “Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country’s Most Controversial Cover-Ups.”
Harlee McBride, his spouse, now survives him. They were married in 1985. McBride has two kids from a previous marriage, Jessica and Shannon Benton. The couple does not have any biological kids together.
The death of Richard Belzer comes as a shock to many individuals, and his passing will be grieved throughout the world. We are giving his family our prayers and thoughts.
Please join us in keeping the family and friends of Belzer in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
